I don’t think anyone should start new year’s resolutions. Unless they want to do something to make themselves feel good. I definitely think the reason most post them on Facebook is to accomplish that (feel good) and also to make themselves look good.
All over Facebook I see posts, “My resolution is…
- to eat healthier
- to be thinner
- to read the Bible more
- to vote Republican (I haven’t seen this but we really should see it more)
- listen more (except to my in-laws)
- be a better person (would love to know who these people’s role model is?”
- drink more chocolate milk (this is from the under 12 group)
- … whatever, you fill in the blank
Most people post them publicly to make themselves feel better. A pat on the back for themselves, which some can do at will. It is also easier when your heart and life is spineless and therefore able to contort to make the self back slap possible. Look at what I’ve committed to… now please validate me and like my post.
Don’t take me wrong, everyone needs passion and vision, and encouragement. As Proverbs says, “where there is no vision (or revelation) the people perish.” You have to have a vision or as so many say during this season, a resolution.
What should be attained for this New Year is an attitude that is resolute!
One of persistence!
Saying you are committed to “the grind”… that impresses me.
Doing what isn’t wanted but so necessary. Doing what you don’t feel like is required.
Paying the price for quality instead of expediency.
A quote I heard years ago is this, “If you do what you don’t want to when you are young, you can do what you want when you older.” Good stuff!
Realizing that old resolutions more than not were good resolutions, there just wasn’t any resoluteness or commitment to grind it out and make it a reality.
Everyone, and I do mean everyone, starts well.
Intentions are great, and dreams are big, but in 365 days what you want to know is that you have run a good course and finished the race that has been set before you.
So whatever resolutions you make here’s a few thoughts:
- If its a “go down” goal (like weight, dealing better with anger, getting a habit under control), make it public for accountability.
- If its a “go up” goal (like saving money, planning for retirement, etc.) keep it private – you don’t want people to talk you out of it – although they will try to talk you out of the “go down” goals too..
- Surround yourself with people who DO what you want to DO, and NOT TALK, about what you desire to accomplish.
- Be specific! Lose 20 lbs; save $1000.00; take a college course; go to an Opera; WHATEVER! Be specific with your goal so you can measure it. Go to college is a terrible goal… drive to the Campus, and effectively you’ve accomplished it.
- COMMIT! BE RESOLUTE! PERSIST!GRIND IT OUT!!!
Chris